In an intervention that aims to drive the global recovery of the pandemic impacted industry, the United Nations World Tourism Organization has invited all member states, stakeholder businesses and individuals involved in the industry to celebrate the upcoming World Tourism Day.
Celebrated every year on the 27th September globally, the UNWTO has announced the theme of this year’s edition as inclusivity, with a focus on tourism for inclusive growth, acknowledging that “behind every number, there is a person”.
In a statement, the global body advises “UNWTO invites its member states, as well as non-members, sister UN agencies, businesses, and individuals to celebrate tourism’s unique ability to ensure that nobody is left behind as the world begins to open up again and look to the future.
“This is an opportunity to gain a holistic perspective: rather than simply looking at stats, growth and monetary benefits, the industry needs to look at development, wellness, and overall inclusive growth.
“(As) the revival of the tourism industry will induce employment, growth, and more opportunities … the motif of this year’s World Tourism Day is to help people from all communities and regions to get the benefits of the world tourism sector fairly.”
The UNWTO’s statement continues “the COVID-19 pandemic has had a massive social and economic impact. Both developed and developing economies have been hit … and marginalised groups and the most vulnerable have been hit hardest of all.”
First marked in 1980, the UNWTO added World Tourism Day “is precious to the industry and the world economy as it celebrates tourism’s social, cultural, economic, and political value.
“Apart from that, the sector is swiftly moving towards sustainable development goals. Many agencies around the world have pledged to adhere to the 17 sustainable development goals.”
Click here for more information.
Image courtesy of Tourism New Zealand.
About the author
Nigel Benton
Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management
Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia and New Zealand’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry. Having established the magazine in 1997, shortly after his relocation to Australia, he has managed its readership rising to over 11,500 and its acceptance as the industry journal for professionals in aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues.
In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.
Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.
Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.
Read more from this author
Related Articles
25th July 2021 - New WTTC report launches framework for achieving Destination Stewardship
16th July 2021 - WTTC highlights need for international recognition of all approved COVID-19 vaccines
14th July 2021 - WTTC and It’s a Penalty partner to raise awareness of human trafficking and exploitation
6th July 2021 - New WTTC Economic Trends Report reveals Asia Pacific region hardest hit by COVID-19 pandemic
18th June 2021 - WTTC insight papers released to help drive sustainability in tourism
8th June 2021 - WTTC campaign launched as global call for governments to restart international travel
15th March 2021 - New UNWTO report on global travel restrictions shows slowing of easing measures
24th December 2020 - UNWTO points to tourism ‘looking forward with determination’
13th May 2020 - UNWTO says international tourism faces worst crisis since records began
21st November 2018 - New UNWTO Report helps cities manage impacts of ‘overtourism’
4th September 2020 - WTTC launches Safe Travels protocols for adventure tourism
19th August 2020 - ISO advises of update to adventure tourism standards
12th June 2020 - Insurance refusals impacting adventure tourism operators
28th March 2021 - PATA releases growth scenarios forecast for Asia Pacific destinations
25th March 2021 - Lombok Tourism Polytechnic lecturer named 2021 PATA Face of the Future
22nd September 2020 - PATA offers free online training for tourism professionals
7th September 2021 - Resort owner Dr Jerry Schwartz mandates hotel staff vaccination
6th September 2021 - Tasmania’s MONA mandates staff vaccinations, reveals expansion plans
6th September 2021 - Abu Dhabi launches new process to verify international vaccination certificates
30th August 2021 - United Arab Emirates opens up to vaccinated visitors
13th July 2021 - Vaccine Passport could be on Phones by December
15th June 2021 - Tripadvisor research reveals COVID-19 vaccines driving global tourism demand
25th April 2021 - WTTC’S summit to be world’s first face-to-face post-pandemic global tourism event
20th January 2021 - WTTC predicts over 100 million global tourism jobs could be recovered during 2021
